Author: Joseph Renor Obrino

Congratulations to Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) for securing 8th place regionally and an impressive 5,413th globally in the January 2026 edition of the Webometrics Ranking of World Universities! This milestone represents a monumental leap from the previous year’s world ranking of 23,112th. While maintaining its strong regional position at 8th place, this global ascent is a powerful testament to the university’s unwavering dedication to academic excellence, digital presence, and its commitment to delivering high-quality education. Webometrics, also known as the Ranking Web of Universities, has been published since 2004. Its primary mission is to promote Open Access to the knowledge generated by institutions worldwide. The January 2026 edition evaluated 33,649 higher education institutions (HEIs). The rankings are determined by a composite indicator that evaluates web presence and research impact, with data gathered from reputable sources such as Majestic, Google Scholar, and Scimago-Scopus. We are immensely proud of this achievement and remain steadfast in our mission to strive for even greater excellence in the years to come!r

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) College of Education (COED) joined hands with the Schools Division of Calbayog City for its Pre-Teaching Internship Orientation, themed “Shaping the future, one prepared educator at a time!” on January 20, 2026 at the RSU Socio-Cultural Center. The gathering brought together COED fourth-year practice teachers, faculty members, and principals from partner schools in the division. The university aims to align theory with practice between classroom learning and real-world teaching experience, ensuring that aspiring educators are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to nurture the next generation of learners. The event commenced with warm welcome remarks from Dr. Jannel C. Alviola, COED Dean, followed by inspiring messages from Dr. Margarito A. Cadayona, Schools Division Superintendent of DepEd Calbayog City Division, and Dr. Benjamin L. Pecayo, University President. During the event, student teachers posed for commemorative photos alongside the principals of their assigned schools, COED faculty, and the university president – marking the official start of their journey into professional teaching. The orientation then featured key discussions on regulatory guidelines, with Ms. Corie B. Senolos, Division Student Teaching Coordinator, presenting salient points from DepEd Order No. 3, Series of 2012 and Joint Division-City Memorandum Order No. 1, Series of 2021. Mrs. Ma Gemma L. Tapel, Director of the Office of Gender and Development, also led a session on Republic Act 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act, emphasizing the importance of fostering respectful and inclusive learning environments. Before the activity ended, an open forum moderated by Mr. Rowee O. Cañedo, COED faculty member, allowed practice teachers to raise concerns and clarify questions about their upcoming internship. The program concluded with closing remarks from Engr. Ignacio G. Tocayon, Jr., OIC Vice President for Academic Affairs, who encouraged the student teachers to embrace their role as catalysts for positive change in education.

Creativity and public service converged as Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU), through its BTLED Major in ICT students, conducted the “Kingkoy Chronicles: LGU Animated Info Series” outreach program in Tagapul-an, Samar, on December 12–13, 2025. This two-day activity was designed to strengthen the public information dissemination of the Local Government Unit (LGU) by utilizing the power of creative digital animation to reach the community more effectively. The first day of the program was held at Baquiw National High School and Tagapul-an National High School, where the focus was placed on orienting learners regarding the importance of animation as a modern communication tool. Participants were introduced to how animated content can simplify complex information, improve audience engagement, and significantly enhance the impact of LGU public information campaigns. This theoretical foundation was immediately followed by hands-on activities, in which learners applied basic animation skills to create their own digital outputs. The success of the outreach was made possible through the collaboration of local leaders and educators. The organizers extend their sincere appreciation to Hon. Vicente Jun M. Limpiado, Municipal Vice Mayor, and Mayor Princess Kate Limpiado for their warm welcome and the generous provision of accommodations and meals. Furthermore, gratitude is extended to Mr. Roy S. Atega, Mr. Jestoni R. Sajorda, and Mr. Ederick A. Dela Cruz for their invaluable coordination and hospitality. The program concluded by encouraging learners to view ICT skills as a tool for both personal growth and community development, reinforcing NwSSU’s commitment to service-learning.

The Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education (BTLED) Program of Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) took the lead in implementing the “Kingkoy Chronicles: Animated Info Series” during a TECH-LECTORS outreach activity held at Sta. Margarita National High School on December 17, 2025. This program underscored the BTLED Program’s commitment to translating technical knowledge into meaningful community service through the medium of creative digital animation. Designed and carried out by both students and faculty, the outreach centered on using animation as a strategic tool for enhancing Local Government Unit (LGU) information campaigns. Throughout the session, senior high school learners were introduced to basic animation principles and visual storytelling techniques through structured tutorials and hands-on activities. These lessons were specifically aimed at improving the clarity, engagement, and accessibility of public information. The activity featured an intensive tutorial followed by a production session where participants developed sample animated materials inspired by real-life LGU information needs. Learners eventually presented their outputs, successfully demonstrating how creative media can simplify complex governmental messages and make public information more relatable to a diverse audience. BTLED Program Chair Engr. Christy B. De Veyra emphasized the program’s advocacy for purposeful technology use, noting that the goal is to equip learners with practical ICT skills while showing them that digital animation is a powerful tool for public service. The outreach concluded with the awarding of tokens and certificates during a closing program that reinforced the importance of continuous learning and the responsible use of technology in the digital age. By leading this initiative, the BTLED Program reaffirmed its role in strengthening school-community partnerships and promoting innovative approaches to information dissemination. The organizers expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Michael Jude T. Casaljay, Municipal Information Officer, and Mr. Mark Anthony G. Domingo, Sangguniang Bayan Secretary of the Municipality of Sta. Margarita, for their generous support and donation of snacks. Their contribution significantly enhanced the comfort and positive learning experience of the participants, reflecting a strong collaboration between the local government and the academic community. Additionally, sincere appreciation was extended to Dr. Alvin A. Aguirre, the Secondary School Principal of Sta. Margarita National High School, whose unwavering support and cooperation were vital to the smooth implementation and overall success of the activity.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) College of Nursing (CON) brought together its faculty, BS Nursing Level I and II students, and their parents for a CON-sultative Assembly, spearheaded by Dr. Bianca Genel B. Bedio, CON Dean. The actuvity aimed to foster clear communication, align all stakeholders, and ensure shared understanding of key academic and administrative matters critical to the smooth implementation of the Second Semester. The program opened with warm welcome remarks and a rationale by Dr. Myra L. Pilpa, Director for Student Affairs Services, representing Dr. Ramil S. Catamora, Vice President for Academic Affairs. Dr. Pilpa emphasized the importance of parental support in helping students pursue their goal of becoming the nation’s noble healthcare frontliners. Following the opening segment, the event recognized academic excellence through the awarding of Top Performing students from the First Semester of Academic Year 2025-2026. Dr. Bedio then led the assembly proper, covering essential agenda items including second semester academic requirements, schedules of classes, duties, and fees. The assembly ensured all attendees were fully informed of institutional standards and expectations for the upcoming semester. After the core discussion, Mr. Rafael Jason N. Tarrayo, a CON faculty member, facilitated an open forum where parents and students raised concerns, asked questions, and engaged in collaborative discussion with the college team. The CON-sultative Assembly successfully achieved its objectives, providing timely guidance to students, addressing pressing concerns, and strengthening policies that support academic progression. Moving forward, the College of Nursing highlighted its commitment to working hand-in-hand to nurture competent, compassionate nursing professionals.

The University Performance Management Team (UPMT) from Northwest Samar State University’s Main and San Jorge Campuses convened at the University President’s Board Room for a crucial assembly regarding the university’s Strategic Performance Management System (SPMS) on January 6, 2026. The assembly centered on the presentation and calibration of targets under Operational Plan 2026, as well as the submission of Organizational Performance Commitment and Review (OPCR), Departmental Performance Commitment and Review (DPCR), and Individual Performance Commitment and Review (IPCR) documents. The gathering aimed to ensure all necessary paperwork and supporting data were prepared and aligned for the year’s strategic implementation. During the session, the team’s members—including University Vice Presidents Dr. Riz Rupert L. Ortiz (VP for Research, Innovation, and Extension), Dr. Ramil S. Catamora (VP for Academic Affairs), and Dr. Rhio C. Dimakiling (VP for Administration and Finance)—engaged in constructive discussions calibrating targets, programs, and projects across various university units. These included the internal audit office, legal unit, internationalization office, planning office, General Services and Infrastructure Project Management Office, Project Development Unit (PDU), and all academic colleges. The collaborative effort strengthened alignment between central and campus-level operations, laying a solid foundation for transparent and accountable performance management throughout the institution. With these preparations complete, the university is poised to pursue its 2026 priorities with improvement, coordination, and a shared commitment to excellence.

The Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) Administrative Division rounded out 2025 with a lively holiday celebration on December 20, bringing all administrative personnel together at the RSU Socio-Cultural Center for their annual Christmas Party. Following the theme “Rock the Track with Denims and Colors,” the venue came alive with celebratory holiday as personnel dressed in stylish denim attires with cheerful hues, matching the vibe of the event. Led by the Office of the Vice President for Administration and Finance, the gathering was organized to mark the end of the year with camaraderie and joy.Spearheaded by Dr. Rhio C. Dimakiling, Vice President for Administration and Finance, the celebration was filled with fun activities that kept everyone engaged from start to finish. The program featured exciting raffle draws with special prizes, vibrant games and contests that ignited friendly competition, and a high-energy “track grind” session played by DJ Van Geras. Every moment was filled with enjoyment and cheer, creating memories as the team celebrated their collective achievements and welcomed the holiday season.

Congratulations to Hon. Teodoro A. Amatosa, Jr. on formally stepping into his role as the newly elected President of the Federation of Alumni Association, Newly Sworn Alumni Regent! Hon. Amatosa’s oath taking took place on December 17, 2025, during the Fourth Quarter Board of Regents Meeting, marking a key turning point in his commitment to serving the alumni community and contributing to the strategic direction of the institution. We look forward to his leadership as he bridges the interests of alumni and the academic leadership, fostering stronger connections and leading initiatives that raise the entire Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) family.

Northwest Samar State University (NwSSU) convened a deliberation meeting to finalize its institutional entries for the World University Innovative Ranking, consolidating 40 flagship programs aligned across 24 recognized categories. The meeting was presided over by the Officer-in-Charge Vice President for Academic Affairs, Mr. Niel Darryl Branzuela, and attended by designated focal persons representing each category. The deliberation aimed to validate program documentation, ensure alignment with global innovation indicators, and confirm the strategic positioning of NwSSU’s initiatives in relation to teaching innovation, research impact, sustainability, community engagement, and governance effectiveness. NwSSU’s participation underscores its commitment to benchmarking institutional performance against international standards, advancing a culture of innovation, and gaining global visibility for locally grounded solutions. By joining the ranking, the University seeks to objectively assess its competitiveness, identify areas for improvement, and affirm the relevance of its programs in addressing community and development challenges. The 40 programs demonstrate tangible impacts across instruction, research, extension, and innovation. These include technology-enabled learning initiatives, inclusive access to education, applied research responsive to regional needs, sustainable development projects, and partnerships that translate academic outputs into social and economic value. University officials emphasized that the exercise goes beyond compliance and recognition. It reflects NwSSU’s strategic direction to institutionalize innovation, scale high-impact programs, and position the University as a proactive contributor to national and global development agendas.